Old as time and wise as an owl was something one would have believed to be existing solely for the books. But with eighty-five years past him, Ian McKellen is truly as wise as his years. Having seen the best yet the worst of what could exist in the showbiz, he has learnt the inestimable price one has to pay to bury the authenticity of oneself.
With duplicity and snideness running deep in veins of the industry, there might be only one power that could save a soldier in this gust of madness; being true, to not just anyone, but only thyself.
Ian McKellen’s simple solution: a dance in the sun saves everyone
Ian McKellen, seasoned through time, with roles in Lord of The Rings, X-Men, The Da Vinci Code
, can be proof of the actor’s prowess in not just illustrating personas through acting, but also in his years of honing his profoundness regarding life. Having come out as gay in 1988 during a BBC radio interview, McKellen has very visibly stuck by his decision to date. And in a recent interview with The Times London
, McKellen cannot help but ask the younger actors to do the same. “I feel sorry for any famous person who feels they cannot come out,”
he says, holding out a shoulder of sympathy. Declaring the act of closeting oneself as “silly”
and unnecessary, the veteran actor urges the younger generation of public personalities to embrace themselves, as he urged them to “listen to your heart
.”
Ian McKellen says that all famous (closeted) queer people should come out:
“I feel sorry for any famous person who feels they can’t come out. Being in the closet is silly — there’s no need for it.” pic.twitter.com/GWU9p2fZBy
— Pop Base (@PopBase) March 10, 2025
McKellen’s years of being an active member of the community has given him and also made him the center of quite a few broad discussion on the topics, spreading the agenda of representation and acceptance to be of great value. He has often, also seen expressing his disdain upon the lack of self-accepted individuals of the community in the film industry and whatnot
, time and again emphasizing the the importance of authenticity and the potential benefits that are going to be reaped on both personal and professional grounds.
Ever the revolutionary, McKellen remains steadfast in his beliefs of authenticity, and of holding ones own, no matter the age or the era.
Ian McKellen: the textbook rebel
Being an outspoken member of his own community, Ian McKellen has not once been spotted shying away from his expression either. Be it a closeted actor closed off introspection or the Queen of England’s presence, McKellen is one to dive headfirst into defense of what is truly right in his mind. His support for Prince Harry’s decision to disentangle from the royal family in early 2020, though shown a little later
, was all the more unwavering. Coming in fully armored for the Prince and praising him for prioritizing his sanity rather than status.
happy birthday to the man, the myth, the legend, sir ian mckellen 🫶🏻 pic.twitter.com/uFofSyXSiw
— elia Ⓧ (@mcavoyist) May 25, 2022
Ian McKellen’s enduring career serves as a testament to the power of authenticity. With decades of experience in theater and film, he advocates for self-acceptance, encouraging younger actors to come out and embrace their true selves. His legacy underscores the importance of staying true to oneself, both personally and professionally, in the face of industry pressures.
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Do you agree with Ian McKellen’s advice for closeted actors? Let us know in the comments below.
